Trump’s Pardon Sparks Outrage: Binance & CZ Slammed as ’Clearest Case of Pay-For-Crime’

Political favors meet crypto justice—and Wall Street's watching.

The Backroom Deal Exposed

Binance's response to Trump's controversial pardon lands like a bombshell in financial circles. Industry experts aren't holding back, calling it the most blatant example of justice-for-sale they've ever witnessed. The timing couldn't be more suspicious—right as regulatory scrutiny tightens around major exchanges.

CZ's Calculated Moves

The Binance CEO's carefully crafted statement attempts to walk the political tightrope. But seasoned observers see through the corporate speak. This isn't about principles—it's about positioning. When billion-dollar fines become the cost of doing business, what's one more political favor among friends?

Market Reactions Tell the Real Story

Traders aren't fooled by the political theater. BNB price action shows the smart money already priced in this outcome weeks ago. Another reminder that in crypto, the real insider trading happens in government corridors, not on exchange floors.

Just another day where crime pays better than compliance—Wall Street's oldest lesson, now with blockchain verification.

Binance Celebrates Trump’s Pardon For CZ

This scrutiny came during former President Joe Biden’s administration, which focused heavily on digital assets and firms like Binance. In 2023, Zhao pleaded guilty to violations of US anti-money-laundering (AML) laws and served a four-month prison sentence as part of a $4.3 billion settlement with US authorities.

In response to the pardon, Binance expressed in a new statement gratitude on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating: 

Thank you, President Trump @POTUS for your leadership and for your commitment to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world! CZ’s vision not only made Binance the world’s largest crypto exchange but also shaped the broader crypto movement. Binance remains focused on building a secure, transparent, and user-first platform that reduces fees and increases access to the financial system for all.

Following the announcement, Zhao expressed his appreciation, stating he is “deeply grateful for today’s pardon and to President Trump for upholding America’s commitment to fairness, innovation, and justice.” He further pledged to contribute to making America the capital of crypto and advancing Web3 on a global scale.

However, the pardon has drawn criticism from experts like Adam Cochran, who described the decision as “disgusting—even for Trump.” Cochran pointed out that Zhao had admitted to allowing groups such as Hamas and Wagner to utilize Binance for sanctions violations.

Expert Raises Concerns Over CZ’s Ties To Trump

Cochran highlighted several developments linked to Zhao’s pardon, including Binance’s partnership with Trump’s World Liberty Financial (WLFI) and collaboration with Dominari Holdings, which includes Trump’s sons and operates out of Trump Tower, on various projects. 

Cochran also questioned the significance of the pardon, emphasizing that Zhao had already served his time and asked, “What difference does the pardon make?” He argued that it allows Zhao to take the reins of Binance or other financial projects again and removes oversight requirements. 

Cochran concluded that this situation represents “the CLEAREST case of pay-for-crime,” asserting that Trump has made it clear that “crime can be overlooked in America” as long as one can afford to pay for a pardon.

Following this development, Binance Coin (BNB) surged back toward $1,122, marking a 3.6% gain within 24 hours.

Featured image from Reuters, chart from TradingView.com